30 September 2008

Chao & Eero Jewel - Comma pendant - Chao-Hsien Kuo:"This Comma pendant belongs to our SIGNS collection, which was inspired by the use of emails and mobile phone messages. A comma is a little pause, such as in our busy everyday routine, it is precious to have a little break. The hand-textured surface gives this silver pendant an elegant and unique sheen. All Chao & Eero Jewel products are manufactured and hand-finished in Finland."

This seems like something that would be so simple, so sweet and so cheap. Uh, try 75 Euros, which is a BIT more than $75 if I know my exchange rates (which I admittedly don't).

Seeing as how I rarely leave the apartment, jewelry expenditures aren't really something I need. But it's fun to think and plot and list.

It was a long ride on the 6 up to 103rd and 5th. We had lunch at a tiny Mexican place that had semi-good food. Nothing to write home about though. And I spilled beans on my white shirt - typical Mari-ness. It should come out though.

The museum was good. Interesting special exhibit about New Yorkers and the presidential campaigns, and my favorite was the video about the history of New York - from the famous $24 real estate transaction with the Indians to the 9/11 changes and how the city is still changing. There was also a section about Broadway, and specifically all the Broadway shows that have been about New York (Barefoot in the Park, West Side Story, Rent, etc.)...

In the campaign exhibit they had cardboard cut outs of the campaigns - and Shawn wanted his picture with Hillary. So here's that:

I only chanced one (so no pic of me with Obama or McCain) - because w/o the flash the pictures were worthless and I wasn't sure if we were allowed to be photographing the exhibits. Meh.

This museum is also free admission with your City Sights NYC tour bus - so I guess if you're here you could go to this. But I think the art museums are a better use of time if one is only here for a short visit... Me, I've got the time.

27 September 2008

That’s right! Today is the day to get serious about playing. Yeah, I didn’t know either until I met up with Annie from KaBOOM! She let me in on the news that today is the Worldwide Day of Play. Here’s the news about it.

Much like with International Crochet Day a couple weeks ago, I didn't know this was going on until I stumbled across it in my usual RSS feed (Liz writes great social media stuff). Anyway, I read it AFTER I had, in fact, come home from playing. LITERALLY.

Shawn and I went to the NYU gym today and played HORSE, did a few passing drills and just shot basketballs for about an hour. It was good fun and we're both worn out - man it's been almost TEN YEARS since I was a high school athlete. Hrm. But whatever - world wide day of play was commemorated by us!

Next up - Smithsonian's Museum Day - we're going to the City Museum of NYC... More on that later.

24 September 2008

Edit - interesting note, on the 23rd of September the DVD of Sex and the City the Movie came out. The movie opened on our wedding day, 5-30-08. SO our marriage outlasted the box office run of SATC. Score one for us!!!

In the final year of the Bush administration, social conservatives have successfully pressured the Department of Health and Human Services to propose a rule that would ostensibly protect health care workers who object to performing abortion and sterilization procedures. The catch is that there are already federal laws in place that do just that. The regulation would instead open the door to denying patients access to all sorts of potentially controversial health care services.

There's more on this - probably could write a lot if I read more and understood more, but over all - it just scares me, and I can't exactly say why...

23 September 2008

"Researchers from the University of Georgia have found that the number of Facebook friends and wallposts that individuals have on their profile pages correlates with narcissism. In other words: How you behave online — with numerous yet shallow relationships — is often consistent with how you behave in real life."

First, this post from yesterday stuck with me - as in, "Bet you think this song is about you" catchy tune stuck with me.

I don't think about how I use Facebook too much - but I do know that I don't have a plethora of friends or contacts on that or MySpace or LinkedIn. But I do share items and update a bit on Facebook more than the others.

Social networks may be about the way you present yourself but it also is a wealth of information for a stalker-azzi type. I am NOSY and I admit it. I'll add people from my high school or whatever to find out what they're up to and feel connected, but also because I am interested in the details of what everyone is doing. It's a small-town mindset. Can I blame it on that?

19 September 2008

"In any case, here's something that super fab designer Stephen Reed showed us at 100% Design in London a couple months ago: Alphabetized paperclips. At first we were thinking: OK – and now what? But then when we started playing with them the genius dawned on us: Whether you want to organize certain things alphabetically or just want to prioritize – always a fun task - or turn your Moleskin into an alphabetized notebook. Or if you are into lists and want to have organized lists or if you just want to fool your fellow people and seem as if you are all organized. They are simply a lot of fun!"

Via MightyGoods, I think. At $25, these are technically do-able. Wonder if there's a way to come up with a DIY-paperclip project. Because I think I would just love to have a full set of M's and W's for my office organization needs, and you have to buy these in full sets...plus $25 is a LITTLE frivilous. Although I'm always looking for gift ideas for others, and I really need to get started on my Xmas shopping list. (Which is going to be extra hard this year given the fact that Shawn is SUCH a good budgeter and stays on me about spending...)

I already had this bookmarked so MAYBE I had already written a post about them. Who knows?!

"Do you ever get the feeling you have too much 'stuff'? Sometimes it just feels good to put a few things away for a little while. I'm the kind of person that has to be neat. I don't like seeing a mess, and I can't go to bed with a dirty dish in the sink or something lying on the floor. Lately my closet has been overcome with clutter. Each time I open the door I feel tired just looking at it all. I don't know where to begin. So yesterday I started putting a few things away and cleaning up the chaos. I think it really frees your mind as well, not thinking about the mess behind the door."

In preparation for my in-laws' visit this weekend, I went through my closet, drawers and bathroom shelves and purged-purged-purged. I do have most of my belongings packed up and stored - under the bed, in the top of the closets, back of cabinets and at my parents' house. But there is still always MORE I can be rid of. So, yesterday we walked four giant bags of clothes, purses, etc. to Salvation Army. Add that to the bag of trash I purged from outdated medicines, hair products and old socks...well I'm breathing a little lighter now. The process is ongoing, but I'm keeping my intake to a minimum to avoid getting back into the position of suffocating under STUFF.

OK, the pictures aren't as dastardly as I had hoped, and I think/hope/pray I've got them under control with twice-daily Claritin and night-time Benadryl (50 mg - or twice the "regular" dose). But here are the photos I've got, both of my right arm... I promise (and you can ask Shawn) they were MUCH grosser in person. (They look like mosquito bites and itch three times as much)

So I've been blogging since April 1998. I hand coded a self-journal and posted it on free Tripod space. I posted my teen-angst and had a few "Dreambook" comments ... I have decided to my first blog entry, written before I knew what blogging was. Too bad I didn't post in April, to mark my 10 year blog-a-versary. Too bad.

Oh to be seventeen and in lust. (Although 27 and in LOVE is so much better, I'm giddy just thinking about it):

TrianglesApril 9, 1998In geometry, we are learning to find the areas, angles, sides, etc. of triangles (as well as other figures, but I'm focusing on the "tri" today). I am also involved in a triangle in my everyday life too. It's a long, drawn out story...It is a b*tch and I'm struggling to make the best of it. My feelings have changed in the past few days about the whole thing, which consists basically of me, a guy, and his ex-girlfriend who I've known for like ever. He and she are still flirting, or whatever. We (the guy and me) have gone out a couple of times, but I don't lay any claim on him. It's just that they're both so hard to figure out! I wish someone would just explain to me what is going on and fix it...Either make me not care at all or have him choose me to like best. (Right now I'm in an obvious second place and falling fast) He and I are going to prom though. I don't want to be in a heavy relationship with him, I just want to hang out and basically be his friend...I'm ready for prom to be over. The planning is killing me and I never talk to the guy about it. I've seriously got to get some self confidence. Well, my fingers may fall off soon and I don't want to tell everything in a day. Believe me there is so much more to tell... I'll add updates about prom as they become available.

OK, I had to edit it a little. Who knew I was so OPEN as a 17 year old? Hrm. Anyone who knew me as a teenager would know to whom I'm referring in the Triangle. Throughout the posts I kept that year and through the last year of high school I gave them fake names (Ben and Cinderella I think). I think that's enough nostalgia though and I'll press forward

12 September 2008

When I wear clothes made from synthetic fabrics, I seem to get itchy and uncomfortable. Could I be allergic to them? —R.L., Chevy Chase, Md.

Yes. Synthetic materials such as acrylic, elastic, and polyester can cause redness and itching in susceptible people, and they also tend to trap moisture, which can add to the discomfort. But because laundry detergent can irritate the skin as well, the simplest first step is to try a mild detergent made for sensitive skin. If that doesn't help, a dermatologist can test to see if you're allergic to synthetic fabrics. If you are, avoid them in favor of natural fibers like cashmere, cotton, linen, or silk. For items where some elastic is unavoidable, such as bras and underwear, look for labels that say '100 percent cotton' and indicate that the elastic has a layer of cotton over it.

This article first appeared in the October 2008 issue of Consumer Reports On Health."

"International Crochet Day, Friday, September 12th 2008! How will you celebrate the day?"

Since I just found out about this day today, I can't imagine I'll change my plans... But I WILL continue work on my superfine thread crochet bedspread. I've got 2 squares down, and am about 1/4 through the third one... Too bad a full/queen size spread will take 20-24 squares total. But it's going to be so rewarding when it's done.

09 September 2008

"Crime TV has become a staple of the typical American viewer’s diet. From “Law & Order” and “CSI” — both of which come in three separate flavors — to “Criminal Minds,” “Cold Case” and “The Closer,” it’s hard to avoid the banquet of brutality offered up each week, each day or even each hour if you happen to have cable.

But a new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research may give viewers pause about all the death they’re routinely letting into their living rooms. Apparently, must-bleed-TV may just make you eat and shop more."

Oh man, hilariously funny study... That I'm writing about while watching Law & Order (original flava) and contemplating dinner.

"Google Chrome's 'Incognito Mode' isn't just great for hiding your sultry late night browsing habits, it can also keep you logged into the same webapp as a different user than your main window, like two Gmail accounts."

This could be just what I'm looking for, as I have my personal Gmail and two work Google accounts (long story)... Question: can I have TWO incognito windows? Separate windows equals the same clutter as having 3 separate browsers open (now I've got Firefox for myself, Explorer for main work one and Safari for secondary work one)...

"NEW YORK: Scholastic will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the first book in J.K. Rowling's popular series, by hosting a fan read-thon September 23. On 'Harry Potter Cover to Cover Day,' muggles of all ages will have a chance to sit in the throne used by Rowling in her US appearances and read from the book."

I could probably read the first book cover to cover in one day (I read the last one cover to cover in one day - what a day that was!), but I didn't like the first book so much. I wonder if I could get my HP-look-alike husband to read one of the books to mark the 10th Anniversary... Or not.

"Are you unhappy? Bloated? Is it hard to concentrate? Do you have food cravings? Breast tenderness?

If you read the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association, you will find your symptoms listed under 'premenstrual dysphoric disorder' (PMDD). In other words, because of those symptoms, a therapist or doctor could label you as having a mental disorder.

The DSM is the bible of psychiatric diagnosis, used by nearly every hospital, clinic, doctor and insurance company, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Since PMDD first was mentioned in the DSM in 1987, people have received the mistaken impression that it's real and that it's a mental illness. With the manual's fifth edition currently in preparation, that notion seems likely to be strengthened rather than discouraged."

I don't go seeking these things out - they just come to me via work blogs and self blogs and RSS feeds and tweets and all the good stuff I soak in during a typical day.

07 September 2008

Went to church - the new interim pastor started, WONDERFUL sermon "It's All About Love."

Itching/hives/whatever they are much worse, and itching like mad during the service. Praying during communion and realized that God could take this away from me, could take my back pain away ... read a little bit of Job - just because I'm hurting doesn't mean God wants me to hurt. Praying for him to take it away or show me how to get rid of it.

Walk to Walgreen's next to the church, thinking I'll get some more anti-itch cream and maybe some Ace bandages to wrap my arms in to keep myself from itching...

Look across the street and see the Duane Reade - and the sign that says "Walk In Clinic, open 7 days a week"

Cross street, go in, am the only patient.

Fill out forms, answer questions, see doctor within 20 minutes.

Stump doctor - he doesn't know what this could be any more than Shawn or I do.

Doctor writes me 4 prescrips - a cream, an antibiotic because the itching caused "cellulitis" (?) and a steroid to take temporarily to reduce swelling (?) - also wrote a scrip for Benadryl ... which my insurance didn't cover so the pharmacist just told me to buy it over the counter.

Itching still but the bumps are down - instead of puffy and red, just red. Painful regardless, and I just took the two Benadryl and will likely be passed out within the hour - but maybe it will help the itching more than the one Benadryl I took for two nights in a row - then woke up at 6 AM itching - maybe I will sleep through the night then wake up and start the pill cycle (minus Benadryl).

04 September 2008

A fabulous new contemporary tree den for kids (and big kids!) which is treehouse, trampoline and hideaway all in one. Suspended from a tree the treepee is big enough for little ones to stand up inside plus they can zip themselves in and out or use as an aerial bouncy castle and even a swing.

Yeah, but it's over $400. So he'll have to stick to blanket forts for now I'm guessing!

This boxed set contains 40 cards and 42 envelopes. Each card is imprinted with an icon; text inside the card states the occasion. For the person who likes to stay in touch, we can't imagine a more thoughtful gift.

Too bad they're out of stock... But there are many other cute things on this site... wish I could be notified when it came back IN stock. I swear I spent more than $60 per year on cards, and usually they aren't as nice as these are...

For Meg Ryan’s turn in The Women, she got a mop of curls to reflect her messy life. Glenn Close had them in Fatal Attraction; Anne Hathaway shed them to be a princess. But isn’t it time for Hollywood to realize that wavy doesn’t equal crazy?"

To the left is a photo of Shawn and me at Jamie's wedding last month - my hair crazy curly. Earrings: H&M, Sweater: Target; Dress: Dressbarn. Shawn's tie: Kohl's.

Reminds me of the b/w photo I have, now in our bathroom, that my mom took when she was in her 20s. So simple but great curves. I love the color of this one - and the discoloration on the faucet itself.

"In Manhattan, he suggested, Target would be a logical successor to the retail space currently occupied by the aging Kmarts at Pennsylvania Station and Astor Place, near New York University.

“You could imagine most of the N.Y.U. dorms being outfitted from that store,” Mr. Dreher said."

Oh if only this could be true... Most of the article is about pop up "bodegas" Target is going to open as part of fashion week (didn't that just happen? my how time flies), but the "bodegas" will only carry clothes - and probably a limited supply of sizes, if I know my stuff (which I probably don't).

01 September 2008

"'I have heard some of the news on this and so let me be as clear as possible. I have said before and I will repeat again, I think people's families are off limits, and people's children are especially off limits. This shouldn't be part of our politics, it has no relevance to governor Palin's performance as a governor or her potential performance as a vice president. And so I would strongly urge people to back off these kinds of stories. You know my mother had me when she was 18. And how family deals with issues and teenage children that shouldn't be the topic of our politics and I hope that anybody who is supporting me understands that is off limits.'—Democratic nominee Barack Obama, on GOP veep nominee Sarah Palin's daughter's pregnancy."

There's so much going on with this... I just am ready for the outcome.

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about silvermari

I am a mom living with my husband and daughters in Baton Rouge, LA. I am a freelance communications specialist. Originally from Oklahoma, I have degrees in journalism from Oklahoma State University (bachelor's) and the University of Maryland (master's). I have lived and worked in Alexandria, VA, and New York. AMLBO!